What is the BPI Building Analyst certification?

The BPI (Building Performance Institute) Building Analyst certification is a nationally recognized credential for energy auditors and home performance contractors. It covers building science principles, diagnostic testing, combustion safety, and energy efficiency assessment. BPI-certified Building Analysts are qualified to perform whole-home energy audits, identify health and safety issues, and recommend improvements. The certification is required by many utility rebate programs and weatherization agencies.

What are the prerequisites for the BPI Building Analyst course?

BPI requires the Building Science Principles (BSP) Certificate of Knowledge as a prerequisite for BA-T certification. The BSP is a 100-question online, open-book exam with no proctor required, available directly from BPI at bpi.org, and should be completed before the course starts. Beyond the BSP, there are no formal academic prerequisites — some background in construction, HVAC, weatherization, or home inspection is helpful but not required.

What is included in the course fee?

The $2,649 course fee covers five days of classroom and hands-on field training, all course materials, and instruction from a certified BPI trainer. Students are responsible for their own BPI exam registration fees, which are paid directly to BPI. Lodging and meals are not included.

How long is the course and when is the next session?

The BPI Building Analyst course runs five days. The next scheduled session is August 31–September 4, 2026 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Seats are limited to keep the class small and hands-on. Contact Home Star Iowa at 319.244.8564 or info@homestariowa.com to register.

Official BPI Testing Center · Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Earn your BPI Building Analyst Technician certification

Five days of classroom and hands-on field training in Cedar Rapids, taught by a BPI-certified trainer who has been certifying building performance professionals since 2009 — with the field exam administered on-site during the course week.

Request a seat → What is the BA-T?

Official BPI Testing Center · Training since 2009 · Students from across the country

Next course

BPI Building Analyst Technician (BA-T)

Dates: Mon, Aug 31 – Fri, Sep 4, 2026
Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Cost: $2,649
Includes: Classroom instruction, field training, and field exam
Prereq: BPI Building Science Principles (BSP) — complete before the course starts
Seats: Limited — contact to confirm availability

Request a seat →

Since 2009

Certifying building performance professionals

BPI

Official BPI Testing Center

5 days

Classroom, field training, and on-site field exam

Nationwide

Contractors, auditors, utility staff, and inspectors trained from across the country

The credential

What is the BPI BA-T certification?

The Building Analyst Technician credential is the foundational certification in whole-house energy performance. It’s issued by the Building Performance Institute (BPI) — the leading national accreditation body for building science professionals.

Skills

What earning it demonstrates

Perform diagnostic testing including blower door and combustion safety
Evaluate a home’s envelope, HVAC, and ventilation as an integrated system
Identify health, safety, and energy efficiency issues using a systematic approach
Meet eligibility requirements for state utility programs and weatherization work

Pathway

Where it fits

The BA-T is the recognized entry point in the BPI certification pathway — a technician-level credential that qualifies you to perform diagnostic work under a certified analyst.

It meets the requirements of many utility rebate and weatherization programs, and it’s the natural first step toward higher-level BPI credentials.

Who it’s for

Who should attend

HVAC

HVAC Contractors

Expand into energy auditing or qualify for utility rebate program work.

Inspection

Home Inspectors

Add energy performance testing to your service offerings.

Programs

Weatherization & Utility Staff

Earn the nationally recognized credential your program work requires.

Construction

Builders & Remodelers

Speak credibly about building science and the performance of what you build.

New career

New to the Field

Pursuing a career in home energy, building performance, or green construction — no prior experience required.

The course week

How the five days run

Classroom instruction

Building science fundamentals, heat transfer, HVAC systems, combustion safety, ventilation, and moisture.

Field training

Real-world diagnostic work using blower doors and other performance testing equipment.

Field exam

Administered on-site as part of the course week.

Before the course — Building Science Principles (BSP). BPI requires the Building Science Principles Certificate of Knowledge as a prerequisite for BA-T certification. It’s a 100-question online, open-book exam you can take from home — no proctor required. Plan to complete it before the course starts; ask us if you have questions when you register.

Your instructor

Taught by a working building analyst

Rob Novak has held BPI trainer certification since 2009 and has conducted BPI training courses across the United States. He is also a DOE Home Energy Score assessor and an active building analyst — meaning he teaches from current, hands-on field experience, not just a curriculum.

Group training. We offer group training for businesses and organizations, on-site or in your region. Contact us to discuss scheduling →

Common questions

A few things people ask

Are there any prerequisites?

Yes — BPI requires the Building Science Principles (BSP) Certificate of Knowledge before you can earn the BA-T certification. It’s a 100-question online, open-book exam with no proctor, taken from your own computer. Purchase the reference guide and exam directly from BPI and complete it before the course starts.

Do I need prior experience to take this course?

Some background in construction, HVAC, or home inspection is helpful but not required. The course is designed to bring students from foundational knowledge through field-ready competency.

Is this the same as the full BPI Building Analyst certification?

The BA-T is a technician-level credential. It qualifies you to perform diagnostic work under a certified analyst. It’s the recognized entry point in the BPI pathway and meets requirements for many utility and weatherization programs.

Can you bring training to my company or region?

Yes. We offer group training for businesses and organizations. Contact us to discuss scheduling →

What’s your pass rate?

Call us — we’re happy to talk through what past students have experienced and how we structure the course to prepare you for the exam.

Register for the August 31 – September 4 course

Seats are limited. Fill out the form below and we’ll follow up within one business day to confirm availability and arrange payment. Prefer to talk first? Call or text 319.244.8564.

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Questions? Ready to register? Call 319.244.8564 · info@homestariowa.com

Home » BPI Building Analyst Technician Certification Training — Cedar Rapids, Iowa